Region In Review
December 3, 2021
Students Exploring Interests Through Makerspace
After being closed down during the height of the pandemic like so many other activities, Makerspace at the elementary schools is making a comeback this year. Makerspace gives our students an opportunity to design, think creatively and problem solve. It presents students with readily-available materials as well as technology that can act as inspiration for inquiry. It is “turning knowledge into action.”
With plenty of ingenuity and creative thinking (and needed COVID protocols), scheduling, classroom spacing, and materials were considered at each school developing a modified and yet inviting program. A fitting process for this endeavor, wouldn’t you say?
Though a scaled-back version of Makerspace, students have opportunities to work collaboratively or individually on engineering challenges, where they may test out their ideas, make adjustments, and reflect on the refinements that help improve their designs. When was the last time you designed and tested a wind-powered car? Other activities allow students to focus on ways to make their work unique through having a choice of materials, techniques, and tools to use. Try designing a sock puppet character and you’ll understand.
Offering more individualized opportunities for students to explore their own creative and engineering interests continues to be a goal for our program. It’s still a work in progress, but ingenuity and creative thinking will inevitably show results - perfect for a makerspace.
Congratulations to Shepaug Dramatics
Once again, Shepaug Dramatics created exceptional theatre through their professional staging of The Thugs by Adam Bock. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew of The Thugs for their acting, the music, the lighting, the set, the sound design, and the makeup!
The talent was on full display as well as the teamwork required from a dedicated and passionate cast and crew.
Excellent job Shepaug Dramatics!!
For the Bazaar
GO WALKER!!
Senior Project Spotlight
Evan Woerner - Fixing the Lake
I am very lucky to live within walking distance of Lake Lillinonah, and because of that some of my fondest childhood memories come from my experiences on the lake. Unfortunately in recent years, the population of invasive species in Lake Lillinonah has grown considerably. The shores I once played on are now covered in sharp zebra mussels, and the water I once swam in is thickly vegetated with Eurasian milfoil. Seeing the effects of invasive species on Lake Lillinonah has motivated me to give back to the lake that gave me such a happy childhood. I hope to use my project to combat this issue by spreading awareness about this issue. I will inform lake users and people who live in towns with lake access about what they can do to aid in this fight. I plan to attend town meetings in Bridgewater and propose a project to put up permanent signs at local boat launches, and to spread this issue through the local press.
Fliers & Upcoming Events
Region 12 Calendar
December 6 - Picture Day Retakes, Burnham School
December 6 - BOE/Finance & Operations Committee Meeting, SVS, 6pm
December 6 - BOE Meeting, SVS Library, 7pm
December 7 - NHS Induction Ceremony, SVS, 7pm
December 8 - Early Dismissal for Students Only
December 8 - PTO Meeting, BFS, 6:30pm
December 9 - WPS PTO's Hickory Stick Shopping Night, 5pm
December 9 - 8th Grade Parent/Student Night, SVS, 7pm
December 10 - PJ Day, BFS
December 10 - PTO Wreath Making Fundraiser, Burnham School
December 13 - PTO Meeting, Burnham School, 3:30pm
December 14 - Winter Concert, SVS, 6pm
December 17 - Spirit Day, BFS
December 20 - BOE/Long Range Planning Committee Meeting, SVS, 5:30pm
Follow Region 12 on our social media channels for updates and information!
The Region 12 community educates, challenges, and inspires all learners to become compassionate, creative, and courageous individuals who are empowered by the knowledge, character, and perseverance to achieve their greatest potential within the global society.
Email: rir@region-12.org
Website: www.region-12.org
Location: 11A School Street, PO Box 386 Washington Depot, CT 06794
Phone: 860-868-6100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shepaug-Regional-School-District-12-153899298123985/
Twitter: @Region12Schools